Is Brisbane Safe?

When travelling to any new destination one thing that is usually questioned is just how safe it is. Are there certain things you need to know before travelling there and what safety precautions may be smart to take. If you are planning a trip to Brisbane you may be wondering the same thing. Is Brisbane safe? We have done the research and have detailed below everything you need to know about just how safe Brisbane is to visit.

How safe is Brisbane for travel

Brisbane is known for its friendly people, incredible wildlife and stunning natural landscapes, but is it safe to travel to?

The best way to get your answer from an international point of view is to check out your destinations current standing on reporting websites such as Travel Safe – Abroad. We know that in comparison to most places you will travel to, Brisbane is a very safe spot to visit, but don’t just take our word for it. We looked up the current recommendations on our city and this is what we have found.

Brisbane’s Safety Rating

Currently, website Travel Safe – Abroad has given Brisbane a safety index of 90, with the overall risk level listed as low. As a whole, it has listed our city as low risk when it comes to transport, pickpockets, mugging, scams, and as a woman traveller. Compared to our other capital cities, Brisbane has been given the highest safety rating, tying only with Hobart, with the website stating that “this is a safe destination for you as a tourist from almost all perspectives.”

Is Brisbane safe to travel to alone?

Queensland’s capital is considered safe for solo travellers, men or women, with Australia earning a rating of 24 on the Bounce Women Travel Safety Index. Overall, you shouldn’t feel unsafe walking and exploring Brisbane City, whether traveling alone, with friends, or with family. Even so, it is always advisable for any solo traveller in any foreign city to avoid isolated areas where possible and have heightened awareness when out at night.

Is it safe to travel on Brisbane’s public transport network?

Public transport in Brisbane is considered a very effective and safe way to travel. Security and safety measures are everywhere, including security cameras, help phones, and safety officers who patrol 24 hours a day.

Various staff ensure passenger safety across the network, including:

Busway safety officers who patrol busways 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Guards patrolling designated train services and train carriages (check your train timetable for guardian train information)
Accessible staff on all CityCats and ferries
Customer service staff on some buses, trams and at tram stations during the day and weekend night trams.

Public Safety Help Points

Public safety help points are located at a number of sites across Brisbane and can be used by the public in case of a medical or safety emergency or when assistance is required. These help points are security monitored 24/7. You can find a full list of locations and more information here.

Tips for Staying Safe in Brisbane

Although it is clear that Brisbane is one of the safer places to visit as a tourist, like all cities we still advise you to take caution and be smart when travelling to a new place. Below are some general safety tips that we would recommend if you are travelling to Brisbane:

Always have a mobile phone that you can use in case of emergency.
Make sure that you have a list of the local emergency phone numbers on you.
Being so close to many beaches, this is a popular day trip for visitors to the city. We recommend that you stay where lifeguards are present and stay up to date with the current weather and surf conditions before entering the water. Always swim between the flags. If you aren’t swimming between the flags and you get into trouble, there may not be anyone to help you.
The police in Brisbane are very helpful and friendly so don’t be afraid to approach a police officer when out and ask for help if you need it.
Brisbane experiences extremely warm days in Summer so please take caution and prepare with plenty of cold water, sunscreen, and protective clothing if you are planning to hike or spend a long time outdoors.
If you need to travel on public transport at night, it’s recommended to plan your journey ahead of time and ensure you are in an area full of people.
We always recommend travelling with a simple first aid kit and up-to-date travel insurance.

Important Safety Numbers to know in Brisbane

As with travel to any foreign city, it is important that you equip yourself with a list of the local emergency contacts to save time if you think you need them.

Police, fire, and ambulance: 000 (also called Triple Zero)
Brisbane City Council: 07 3403 8888
State Emergency Services: 132 500
Policelink: 131 444 is the number in Queensland to report non-urgent crime or incidents

You can find a more detailed list of emergency contact numbers for Brisbane here. It’s also good to know your embassy’s number when in Brisbane. In case of passport loss or theft, you must have it reissued urgently.